This website presents our knowledge and research on this important aspect of the Royal Collection. As of April 2026 it will not be regularly updated and new research on this topic will sit within the main website.

Glass plate negatives

Albert and Victoria’s collection of glass plate negatives show photographers’ working methods

      DR ERNST BECKER (1826-88)

      View from the Alcove of the Upper Terrace at Osborne

      Sep 1854

      RCIN 2083967

      Glass plate negative of the lower terrace at Osborne House with a pergola standing on the left of the photograph and ornamental stone walls bordering the terrace in the middle distance. In the background is a path running across a lawned area with trees. In the far background is the sea.

      The glass plate negative has been photographed showing the coated side and therefore the image appears laterally reversed. A print from this negative exists in the Collection, RCIN 2906132.
      • Creator(s)

        Dr Ernst Becker (1826-88) (photographer)

      • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

      • Subject(s)
        • Places
          • Europe
            • Great Britain
              • England
                • Isle of Wight [England]
                  • Osborne Estate [Isle of Wight]
                    • Osborne House
        • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
          • Town planning, landscapes and gardens
            • Landscape gardening
              • Terraces
        • Science, Medicine and Technology
          • Agriculture and related techniques
            • Gardening
              • Gardens
        Object type(s)
          • visual works
            • photographs
              • negatives
                • glass plate negatives